Certain pieces of furniture I just can’t imagine with a lacquer or spray painted finish. The distinct finish of chalk paint was perfect for some pieces that I had found at some local auctions and I tested out different recipes on those following dressers.
I don’t know if you read my first chalk paint dresser makeover a couple of weeks ago, which I painted with CeCe Caldwell’s Destin Golf Green chalk paint (click HERE if you missed it).
I also painted the following dresser with the leftover paint and the hex sign knob details that I showed you HERE. This particular green is a beautiful shade of almost turquoise and I’m beyond in love with it.
The texture of CeCe Caldwell’s chalk paint is incredible, very chalky and when you apply the wax, you can feel it being absorbed. Which is what you want.
I wanted to try out my own chalk paint though too. I hate having to wait for stuff I purchase online. I’m the kind of person who wants to walk into a store, buy and walk out (especially when I have an idea in my head)…well unless it’s Christmas and I’m trying to get away from crazy crowds! And since we don’t have a chalk paint vendor in the area, I have to buy the chalk paint online and I hate waiting for it. Another reason is that I don’t like being restricted to a certain color paint selection. And when you make your own chalk paint you can pretty much use any shade you want/find.
And you know what else is great about chalk paint versus spray paint? Well, I would be able to paint inside during the winter time without spray residue and harmful fumes. MAJOR PLUS!!! Chalk paint is also way more forgiving than spray paint. Mistakes are so much easier to fix.
In this post I’m not addressing the “Plaster of Paris” chalk paint recipe because Plaster of Paris is toxic, carcinogenic to be specific and although I’ve heard it works great, I didn’t want to get into it. Spray paint is already toxic enough for me which is the reason I wanted to stay with the non-toxic versions.
Lets start with my least favorite version, the non-sanded grout recipe:
“Non-Sanded Grout” recipe:
1 cup of paint
2 tablespoons of Non-Sanded Grout (HERE)
water
In a mixing container mix grout with water, adding a little bit at a time until you get a nice smooth consistency. Add more water as needed to break up the powder. Once the powder is mixed thoroughly with water, add the paint and stir well.
I tried it out on one of my previous dressers. The non-sanded grout chalk paint dries rapidly. I didn’t like it! And yes, I tried adding more water as I went but I just hate being rushed and slapping it on, I like taking my time. I honestly really didn’t care for it. I have a huge bag left of the non-sanded grout and who knows, I might try it again one day, but for now I have to say that I disliked it.
How to make chalk paint with calcium carbonate
My favorite recipe by far is the calcium carbonate chalk paint recipe, which is a dietary supplement and non-toxic, yay! Not bad price either at around $6-$11, right?
The pink latex paint used in my dresser makeover was left over from my daughter’s room (It is called Hopeful by Behr).
DIY Chalk Paint Recipe using Calcium Carbonate Powder
Mix:
2 tablespoons of Calcium Carbonate Powder (HERE)
1 tablespoons water
Mix well into one cup of latex paint.
(If you buy 1 quart of paint at the home improvement store then mix that quart with 8 tablespoons of Calcium Carbonate Powder)
Like I said, I really like the calcium carbonate chalk paint a lot. It’s smooth, good to sand and the wax goes on great as well.
Don’t forget to finish with wax!
I use a brush and sponge like THIS and brush like THIS to apply the wax.
And I love using THIS clear wax.
If you want it to have an antiqued finish then use a wax like THIS!
Tips for applying the wax to the calcium carbonate chalk paint
Did you ever grease a pan with butter on a paper towel before baking? Well that’s how I apply the wax to the furniture with an old t-shirt in smaller sections. Don’t clump the wax. You can use a waxing brush to get into more textured paint. Then buff it out with the pad or clean cloth similar to how you would buff a car. There are different techniques but this is how I like to do it.
For the gold detail on the dresser I used Rub ‘n Buff (HERE) that I thinned out with paint thinner and then brushed on.
My overall comparison to the purchased CeCe Caldwell paint is that if you like texture, then that’s the paint you should use. I actually really loved that about the paint.
In this case I wanted a soft feminine look and the calcium carbonate powder to make chalk paint was so smooth and barely had any texture. It was perfect for the style of the pink dresser and the look I was going for.
Last but not least (and I have to admit that I’m still a spray paint girl at heart….ah the smell…just kidding but I do love the finish.
And if chalk paint isn’t your thing and you’d rather use a can of spray-paint then check out the beautiful and very similar shade of pink below (HERE). 
You can also check out my dining room buffet/dresser makeover which I sprayed on with a sprayer (HERE). In that dresser makeover post, I’m giving several different options for the perfect subtle shade of pink:
The moral of the story is that making chalk paint with calcium carbonate is super easy, non-toxic and has a forgiving finish where mistakes are easy to fix. So you should definitely give this chalk-paint recipe out of all of them a try.
Tschüß
(Youleeya)
[email protected] says
June 28, 2013 at 12:15 pmGreat rundown…thanks Julia. I’m still blown away by that pink dresser. It is so gorgeous!
Julia Konya says
June 29, 2013 at 1:05 pmThank you so much Ashley!
Brittany Beier says
August 20, 2015 at 2:59 pmI made mine with drywall compound/ MUD. Worked awesome aswell !!
Julia says
August 21, 2015 at 5:17 amHow cool
Darnetha {ChippaSunshine} says
June 28, 2013 at 12:33 pmThis comment has been removed by the author.
Darnetha {ChippaSunshine} says
June 28, 2013 at 12:38 pmI love post like this. The break down of the recipes is so helpful. I have never used chalk paint before and would love to try it out on a dresser or too. I have a store that sells it near by so I might check it out. Your dresser turned out fantastic and I really love the gold accents!
Julia Konya says
June 29, 2013 at 1:09 pmThanks Danetha and yes, give it a try 😉
Patty Day @Pattys Epiphanies says
June 28, 2013 at 2:37 pmI will follow your adventure for the perfect DIY chalk paint! Thoroughly enjoying it so far!
MC has conquered Annie so I don’t want to rock the boat!
Julia Konya says
June 29, 2013 at 1:13 pmI still have to buy some AnniePaint 😉
Kristen says
June 28, 2013 at 2:50 pmI have been wanting to try using chalk paint on something as well! That pink dresser turned out so cute. LOVE.
Julia Konya says
June 29, 2013 at 1:12 pmThe pink would be perfect for you for sure and thank you so much Kristen!
[email protected] says
June 28, 2013 at 4:59 pmlove this Julia! 🙂 thank you so much for posting this, I’ve been wanting to try chalk paint but I’m afraid of moving away from spray paint! I would love to try this on a dresser we are using in our living room! 🙂
wish you a fun weekend 🙂
Julia Konya says
June 29, 2013 at 1:11 pmCan’t wait to see if you give it a try and thanks!
Jimmers says
June 28, 2013 at 10:59 pmThank you for sharing this! <3 the pink dresser too 🙂 I had no idea the plaster recipe was carcinogenic..and I recently did a desk for my daughter with that POP recipe. 🙁 Do you know if there is anything I can do to seal the paint? It turned out sooo nice too. Ugh. 🙁 Thanks!
Julia Konya says
June 29, 2013 at 12:36 pmDid you use wax on the top? I’m sure it’s fine.
Kelly @ A Swell Place to Dwell says
June 29, 2013 at 2:58 amCalcium Carbonate huh? I’ll maybe have to give that a go some day. I’ve only used the baking soda recipe (mostly because that’s what I have on hand all the time). I can never get it quite as smooth as I want…and the taste that I get in my mouth when sanding is gross from inhaling the dust (usually too lazy to wear a mask!).
Julia Konya says
June 29, 2013 at 12:30 pmNever heard of a baking soda recipe.
I’m usually to lazy to wear a mask too 😉
Anonymous says
January 20, 2014 at 1:32 amI was looking for a chalk paint recipe and found yours using Calcium Carbonate which was great since I am painting a changing station for my niece. I couldn’t locate it at any of the pharmacies but all 5 pharmacist said to get Tums and grind them up. 1 mini food chopper and 20 Tums later I had more than enough. It had a few small “lumps” that I pushed aside and what was left “melted” when mixed with water. Turned out creamy and went on smooth. It will take at least 3 coats but stayed creamy in lidded plastic container (I did put plastic wrap on top of paint to make sure the air in the container didn’t dry it out).
PamD says
December 5, 2014 at 4:15 pmYou can get calcium carbonate in pet stores (used as dietary additive for reptiles). And the bags come in the perfect size. You can but smaller plastic jars as well!
Julia says
December 6, 2014 at 2:44 pmThanks for the tip
Julia Konya says
January 20, 2014 at 1:38 amHmmm, tums…interesting! Let me know how it turns out when you are all done. And if you don’t mind, I might share it with everyone else on the blog and try it myself 😉
Jo Ann says
June 29, 2013 at 12:17 pmGreat post! I’ve been thinking about trying the calcium carbonate. We sometimes use a paint sprayer..do you know if you can use it in a sprayer??!
Julia Konya says
June 29, 2013 at 12:34 pmHi JoAnn, I wouldn’t use it in a paint sprayer, since it needs to be very thick and the paint in paint sprayers has to be on the thin side.
Julia Konya says
June 29, 2013 at 1:09 pmI have felt the same way about chalk paint. I’m not really into the rustic country style but some pieces just can’t be painted any different.
Sarah {Lacquer and Linen} says
June 30, 2013 at 1:12 amThanks for the info Julia! I have always wondered about these recipes but have been hesitant to try them out. Thanks for doing some of the legwork for me 😉
Brandi says
June 30, 2013 at 2:59 pmI purchased my first can of A.S.C.P. to use on my son’s bedroom furniture. I loved the results, but the price, not so much. Thanks for sharing a cheaper version.
Teri Broberg says
June 30, 2013 at 9:24 pmIf you are worried about toxic ingredients, both the PofP and the Unsanded Grout contain silica, which can badly damage the lungs if you sand and don’t wear a respirator. It seems like the calcium carbonate would be a lot safer. I don’t think the CeCe brand has anything in it that you need to worry about. The ASCP paints don’t list ingredients, and it does have an odor, but I don’t know whether or not it is safe to sand it unprotected.
Julia Konya says
June 30, 2013 at 10:48 pmWOW, thanks for sharing!
Anonymous says
July 1, 2013 at 1:31 amwhat kind of wax do you use?
Anonymous says
July 1, 2013 at 11:11 pmHi! Wondering what kind of wax you use? Thanks, Shannon
Sara says
July 10, 2013 at 4:25 pmAhhh…pink and gold! Such a gorgeous combination! I have never used chalk paint before, but you have inspired me to consider it now…
Sara says
July 10, 2013 at 4:25 pmAhhh…pink and gold! Such a gorgeous combination! I have never used chalk paint before, but you have inspired me to consider it now…
Lori Dobson says
November 26, 2013 at 12:04 amPremium Chalk Paint Mix!! Much better then the plaster of paris versions by far!! I have been using it for years!! No one can tell the difference between this and AS!
http://m.ebay.com/itm/321259467188
Lori Dobson says
November 26, 2013 at 12:05 amPremium Chalk Paint Mix!! Much better then the plaster of paris versions by far!! I have been using it for years!! No one can tell the difference between this and AS!
http://m.ebay.com/itm/321259467188
rebecca crossley says
January 26, 2014 at 3:43 pmNot sure about plaster of paris being carcinogenic its used for plaster casts in hospitals, you would have a lot of sick nurses and patients
Dawn M says
March 10, 2014 at 3:49 amFantastico!!! I love it all, even the baby pink! What is the ‘wax’ you speak of?
How do you ship these? I”m in love. Following!
Julia Konya says
March 10, 2014 at 2:06 pmThanks Dawn! The wax is regular clear furniture wax. And I sell the furniture in my Etsy shop which gets shipped usually via ship.com
Charity Hill says
March 13, 2014 at 12:03 amHave you worked on changing the recipe yet or “tweaking” it as we speak.. How long can u keep paint for after mixed in a sealed container?
Julia Konya says
March 13, 2014 at 12:15 amHi and I’m sorry but I haven’t played around with the recipe yet. Waiting for the long winter month to pass first. The grout recipe goes bad right away but the calcium carbonate one is able to stay good for a really long time.
The DIY Homegirl says
March 19, 2014 at 3:13 amHello! I featured your dresser in my monthly blog series, Get Your Color On!. Each month I select a color, provide tips on how to decorate with it, and feature other bloggers with their projects that relate to this color.
This month’s post is all about pink, so I featured your dresser because I love how chic and soft the color is in the room. It’s a perfect combination of sweet and glamorous with the gold.
Feel free to grab a featured button and check out my post at Get Your Color On! Pink. Thanks for sharing your wonderful creativity!
Kristi Riker says
March 23, 2014 at 4:08 pmCan you tell me what color that pink paint is?
Julia Konya says
March 23, 2014 at 4:27 pmHi Kristi, it was leftover paint from my daughter’s bedroom and the color is Hopeful by Behr 690A-2 Good luck!
Kristi Riker says
March 23, 2014 at 4:09 pmThis comment has been removed by the author.
Jennifer King says
July 21, 2014 at 6:36 amThis is so so so gorgeous!!! OMG I want to do this to all of my daughters furniture. LOL Thanks for posting and sharing this!
The Hawkins & Pedigos says
September 11, 2014 at 8:14 pmHi Julia! What brand/type and color paint did you use for the gold accent on the pink dresser?
Julia Konya says
September 12, 2014 at 1:23 amHi, I used liquid gold.
Heather Freeman says
September 19, 2014 at 2:23 amThe. Is. Awesome. I’m emaling it to two of my clients right now!
Julia Konya says
September 19, 2014 at 11:27 amThank you!
Cara says
January 27, 2015 at 2:39 pmWhat finish latex paint did you use on the pink dresser with the calcium carbonate recipe? Thanks!
Julia says
January 28, 2015 at 6:04 amHi Cara, it was eggshell paint.
Jennie says
June 7, 2016 at 9:40 pmI personally have found cornstarch to be the perfect “chalk paint” additive! Love it and my friends who have used AS love it more than hers!
Julia says
June 9, 2016 at 6:36 amOh cool, I have to try that!
sarah says
August 4, 2016 at 3:03 pmhi what kind of brush do you use to apply the paint?
Julia says
August 5, 2016 at 3:46 amI actually used my standard Purdy brushed that you can find at any home improvement store
Rhonda says
October 4, 2016 at 1:46 amHi. I love your pink dresser. I like to use the cheapest flat white paint that walmart has. It is 8.99 per gallon at my walmart. It is ready made and i just have them shake it up for me. I use craft paint with it to make whatever color i want. It goes on smooth, and dries chalky. I sand it wherever i want it to look worn. Sometimes i use craft crackle in between the layers to get a cool look. When i’m all done i buff it with dry paper towels that act as a very fine grit sandpaper. No waxing.
Julia says
October 4, 2016 at 4:42 amThat’s awesome! Great tip Rhonda